Adopters are needed from all walks of life to meet the needs of a wide range of children who are waiting for adoption. We do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, ethnic origin, class, culture, sexuality or whether you are working or unemployed.
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Anyone wishing to adopt must by law be at least 21 years of age;
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Single people, male or female can adopt and many single people have particular
skills/experience appropriate to adoption;
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Couples who wish to make a joint application must be married;
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Unmarried couples, whether same sex or heterosexual, must decide which of them will adopt. A legal arrangement can be made to give parental responsibility to the other partner, this is usually obtained through a Residence Order.
Other common questions
What if I am having fertility treatment?
We understand that most people will wish to explore as fully as possible having a birth child before considering adoption.
We do not think that it is a good idea to undergo fertility treatment at the same time as applying to adopt.
It is important to have a period of adjustment to the prospect of not having a birth child before exploring adoption.
We do not accept applications from people undergoing
fertility treatment.
What about health conditions?
As part of the preparation process prospective adopters must have a medical examination. This is to ensure that you have a reasonable chance of remaining fit to care for a child into adulthood.
Children who need adoption have already had significant losses, so we try to reduce the chance of further loss. This does not mean that any medical condition or history of mental ill health will stop you adopting. However you should discuss this with the Social Worker at the earliest possible stage to help us decide on whether an early medical report is needed. This allows us to obtain an opinion from the agency medical adviser who may also, with your permission, speak to any specialists.
Am I too old?
Age alone is not a limiting factor but we do need to make sure that you could parent a child of the age group you are seeking to adopt into adulthood.
What about disability?
This Agency has a policy of looking for abilities in adopters. We will balance any difficulty your disability may cause you in caring for a child against what you have to offer a child together with any support you have.
As with a medical condition, we may organise an early medical, so we can get an opinion from the agency medical adviser.
How will my life change?
We ask applicants to give an undertaking that your lifestyle will accommodate the needs of a child placed for adoption.
In particular in the early stages of placement a child will need the availability of one adopter to ensure that they are able to settle and attach.
As with any parent for school-age children you need to be available out of school and to be on call.
Once a child has settled into your family you could choose to return to your usual work pattern, provided you have made adequate arrangements for childcare. This will be discussed with you by your Social Worker.
What about my religion?
You will be asked about your religion and the extent to which you practice it. This helps us to consider whether your religion will influence the kind of children that we could place with you. We may ask for more information to ensure that it would not have any adverse effects on a child.
Will I get paid an allowance to adopt?
For some children, who are older or disabled, an adoption allowance may be available to people with insufficient income. You will receive a separate information leaflet on financial support in adoption.
What about my own children?
We welcome applications from experienced parents, particularly where the existing children are older or adult. Where your children are younger, we need to be sure that adoption is right for them and that there will be a sufficient age gap.
What if I'm turned down?
Adoption is a service for children. If at any stage we consider that you do not meet the criteria we will tell you with courtesy and sensitivity. The reason for stopping or refusing your application will be given in writing. You will be given an opportunity to talk to us about this or to object in writing.